Herts Paramedics experts given highest recognition by the College of Paramedics
Professor Julia Williams, Research Lead for Paramedic Science and Director of CACHE (the clinical research unit) within the School of Health, Medicine and Life Sciences (HLMS) at the University of Hertfordshire received the lifetime Achievement Award.
Her colleague, Dr Vince Clarke, Associate Professor (Learning & Teaching) and Programme Lead for the University of Hertfordshire’s Paramedic Science degree received a Fellowship award.
Professor Williams said:
"I'm incredibly honoured and genuinely humbled to receive this Lifetime Achievement Award from the College of Paramedics. Being recognised by my peers, especially for something as close to my heart as research, is truly special.
“I've had the privilege of working alongside amazing colleagues who've inspired and supported me throughout my career, and I sincerely hope I've provided similar support and encouragement to others along the way. I'm deeply grateful for this wonderful acknowledgement—thank you so much, this means more to me than I can possibly say."
Dr Clarke said:
"Receiving a Fellowship award from the College of Paramedics is truly a high point in my career.
“I am incredibly fortunate to have had opportunities to work with amazing colleagues in the London Ambulance Service, the University of Hertfordshire and the College itself, and I could not have achieved my contribution to improving paramedic practice without their continued and unwavering support. I am, indeed, honoured by this honour!"
The College represents over 28,000 registered paramedics in the UK (with approximately 20,000 members). A Fellowship is awarded to paramedics who have made an outstanding contribution to the profession or to the College’s objectives. Only a small handful of Fellows are appointed each year. These fellowships remain rare and selective, recognising exceptional service to paramedicine.
The College said of Professor Williams that, “her contributions to education with a national impact are enormous; she was a pioneer in advocating for degree-level paramedic programs long before it became a regulatory mandate. She played a pivotal role in designing the first UK higher education curricula.”
The University of Hertfordshire was the first UK university to introduce a paramedic science degree, back in 1999, since when it has produced over 1000 paramedic science graduates. This year it introduced a pre-registration Master’s degree in paramedic science.
Dr Clarke was nominated by colleagues to receive the Fellowship in recognition of his outstanding contribution to improving paramedic practice and, in turn, both patient care and population health.
Vice-Chancellor of the University of Hertfordshire, Professor Quintin McKellar CBE, said:
“This is fantastic recognition for both Julia and Vince for all they have done to pioneer paramedic science education and learning.
“Their expertise and experience have inspired and informed so many of those working in our healthcare services.
“Their long-serving and high-quality work has driven our highly successful Paramedic Science degrees, keeping us aligned with modern practices and ensuring our students have real-world experience embedded in their learning.”
From September next year, Paramedic Science and Herts’ healthcare courses will be joined by Herts offering a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) through its new Medical School. Hertfordshire has just 0.5 GPs per 1,000 patients - significantly lower than the national average of 2.8.
Learn more about all our courses through our current Clearing pages or speak directly with the University’s Clearing advisors on the hotline: 0330 404 0058.